Beyond Your Birth Plan: What To Do When Things Go Wrong
If you or someone you’re close to has been pregnant recently, you’re likely familiar with the concept of a birth plan. Unlike in years past when doctors called all the shots, women today are encouraged to take control over how their labor and delivery will be managed, and that can be a great source of empowerment.
Unfortunately, when things go significantly awry, such as when there are complications or an infant is born with medical issues requiring special care, that plan can fall apart. What happens then?
You Can Still Advocate For Yourself
When you run into a situation that isn’t covered in your birth plan, the first thing you should do is remember that what happens next is still up to you. “White Coat Syndrome” can cause many people to withdraw or become more timid, but you have the right to advocate for yourself with your doctor.
If you’re worried you won’t be able to do this – an understandable possibility in the middle of labor – talk to your partner about how they can support you. Also look into medical malpractice lawyer in Sugar Land Texas. You might also consider working with a doula, a birth professional specializing in offering emotional and material support during pregnancy and labor.
Consider The Worst Case Scenario
While birth plans should consider multiple possible outcomes, if you’ve had a typical pregnancy, it’s understandable that your own plan wouldn’t account for the worst-case scenarios, up to and including medical malpractice and birth injuries. No one wants to think about these tragedies, but the fact is that they happen, and parents don’t always have a lot of recourse in the aftermath of such events.
In Florida, for example, a compensation program for children who suffer birth-related brain injuries is infamous for how difficult it makes it for parents to hold doctors accountable for such harms. That being said, such barriers and complications aren’t always the end of the road.
Though there’s generally no reason to contact a lawyer in advance of giving birth, knowing what to do and who to contact if something does go wrong can provide reassurance. In the event of doctor error or malpractice, a personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation, cover medical costs, and ensure your family has access to any necessary services.
Expect The Best
As important as it is that you consider the worst-case scenario for your labor and delivery, it’s also worth remembering that, even if you experience a few minor complications – things like tearing, slightly premature labor, or increased blood pressure – at the end of the day, things will probably be fine.
Furthermore, you may find that you willingly throw your birth plan out the window simply because it doesn’t feel right at that moment. Birth is unpredictable and every labor is different; even if you’ve given birth before, you may find that your plans just don’t come together, and that’s okay.
Though negative birthing and postpartum experiences can leave women with PTSD and birth trauma, you can’t plan your way to a perfect birth. Your birth plan is a valuable, supportive tool, but it’s not a binding contract. Use it to help you think about your desires and your worries, carry it with you, but don’t guilt yourself into following the plan when it isn’t working.
Instead, consider this an opportunity to tune into your maternal instinct because you’ll have to keep using that sixth sense for years to come.
